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Academy of Arts star
Kaneko is retiring
after 40-year run

Academy of Arts Installations Designer Fujio Kaneko was talked into deferring his retirement twice by Academy Director Stephen Little but this time he's throwing in the towel Sept. 1 after 40 years. "He's the glue in all of our exhibition endeavors," Little said. Trustee Sam Cooke says Fujio "can fix or build from scratch just about anything. Broken Chinese vases, torn Japanese screens, a custom mount for a spectacular ivory-carved lei in a recent Hawaiian jewelry show -- nothing seems impossible for his creative talents." Kaneko was born in Yokohama, Japan, and came here in the 1960s to attend UH ... The Academy's Showcase 2005, a gourmet food and wine event combined with an art sale, is Aug. 14 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 through Monday and go up to $85 after that; call 532-8701. The Preview Art Sale at the Academy is Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with free entry ...

KHON2's Joe Moore and wife Teresa dined at Hilton's Bali by the Sea this week. Joe and his crew will broadcast from the Hilton Aug. 22-26. Bali is one of six Hawaii restaurants with the Distinguished Restaurants of North America designation. The national group is fighting childhood hunger and the Bali will take part with a $57 menu Aug. 22-26. Some of the proceeds will help fight hunger ... The 40th anniversary celebration of Ruth's Chris Monday and Tuesday was a sellout both nights. Prices were reduced for a steak dinner menu and the demand was so high that Paul Ah Cook and Don Asam had to extend hours ...

Fund-raiser planned for Cookie Isaacs' daughter

Cookie Isaacs is a woman who is always there when people need help. Now Cookie, widow of famed steel guitarist Barney Isaacs, needs help for her daughter from her first husband. Shannon Suinn-Owens was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease and had to fly to North Carolina to have a double bypass on the right side of her brain by a top specialist, Dr. Nakatori Fukushima. Costs were high so friends are holding a fund-raiser for Shannon Aug. 27 at East Side Grill, 6 to 10 p.m. Call Jessica Warmoth, 536-0425 ... Jen Simpson, wife of Star-Bulletin sports columnist Kalani Simpson, gave birth to Brayden James Simpson Sunday night. Brayden, who arrived 10 days late, weighed in at 8 pounds, 1 ounce ...

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